Master’s in Marketing: Audrey Tripp, Michigan State University (Broad)

Student Name: Audrey Tripp

Graduate Business School: Michigan State University Eli Broad College of Business

Describe Yourself In 15 Words: I’m a curious, ambitious, and diligent detective who appreciates the nuances and power of data.

Master’s Graduation Class: 2019

Undergraduate School and Major: UMASS Amherst, Marketing.

Current Employer and Job Title: The NPD Group, Account Manager.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: My biggest accomplishment is that I have found a career that I am passionate about. I am confident that this is the field that I will continue to pursue throughout my career. It’s important to feel that your chosen career path is correct. I know that I have invested in the right field and that I will continue to expand my knowledge and my enthusiasm for marketing research.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as a graduate student:  My biggest accomplishment as a graduate student of the Master of Science in Marketing Research program is simply all the knowledge I gained in the program. Not only did I learn advanced and innovative marketing research methods, but I also gained invaluable experiences working together with the other students in the program.

What was the key factor that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? When I was evaluating master’s programs, I was drawn to Michigan State University because of its emphasis on real-world application of advanced marketing research techniques. Within each course, real-world examples are used, and students are encouraged to apply the learnings beyond academic scenarios. The MSU MSMR program also provides opportunities for students to partner with companies and use marketing research to answer business questions. The MSU MSMR program exposes students to a multitude of top marketing research companies, cutting edge research innovation, and their extensive alumni network.

What led you to choose a Master’s in Marketing over an MBA? I knew I wanted to continue my career path within marketing research, and I was interested in expanding my knowledge within the field. I had experience within the marketing research industry and wanted to learn advanced analytics and material specifically focused in marketing research.

What has been your favorite course and how has it helped you in your career? My favorite course was Managerial Communication and Data Visualization for Market Researchers taught by Professor Shana Redd. In this course, we were taught about the importance of knowing your audience, how to formulate an evidence-based solution to a business question and the amount of preparation required for a successful presentation to a client. I have used the techniques that Professor Redd taught us in all of my client integrations and presentations.

What role did your school play in helping you to land your first job out of the program? I used the vast MSU network to find the company that best suited my skill set. The alumni network, professional events and career fairs were essential in finding a job.

How did your classmates enhance the value of your business school experience? We all learn through a lens of our personal experiences. Having a diverse cohort with unique experiences allowed for all of us to expand our perspectives.

Who was your favorite faculty member and how did this person enrich your learning? My favorite faculty member is Professor Don DeVeaux. He pushes his students to apply theory and techniques to real-world scenarios. He is very passionate, not only about the industry, but also about the success of his students. We still stay in touch! 

What is your best advice to an applicant hoping to get into your school’s graduate Master’s program? My advice for applicants is to speak to alumni of the program. Hearing about a recent graduate’s experience in the program will provide insight that will aid an applicant’s decision. 

What was your best memory from your Master’s program? My best memory from the MSU MSMR program is not just one moment, it is a compilation of working with, learning from and bonding with the other students in my cohort. 

DON’T MISS: MEET THE MASTERS IN MARKETING